Zimbabwe's tax office uses drones for border management
The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) is investing in modern technology, including drones, to improve tax collection and reduce leaks, particularly at border posts.
A government official revealed this at the tax collection agency's seventh annual general meeting in Harare, Zimbabwe, which just ended.
The investments are part of ZIMRA's five-year plan, which runs from 2021 to 2025.
According to David Mnangagwa, the deputy minister of finance, economic development, and investment promotion, ZIMRA has made tremendous progress in implementing numerous digital strategic projects, which aligns with the government's goal of increasing service delivery and ease of doing business.
“ZIMRA is also investing in cutting-edge technology, such as scanners and drones, to improve border control and cargo monitoring, helping to detect and prevent the smuggling of goods and other undesirable products as part of protecting the civil society,” Mnangagwa added.
He stated that these major digital projects demonstrate ZIMRA's attempts to modernize its operations, improve the customer experience, and boost its revenue collection capabilities.
Aside from technological accomplishments, Mnangagwa stated that the government continues to assist infrastructure improvements at border posts.
Beitbridge, which borders South Africa, is one of the busiest border stations in Sub-Saharan Africa.